At a glance: facts about the female condom

a female condom needs to be placed inside the vagina before there's any contact with the penis

always buy condoms that have the CE mark or the BSI Kitemark on the packet – this means they've been tested to high safety standards

a female condom can get pushed too far into the vagina, but it's easy to remove them yourself if this happens

female condoms may not be suitable for women who aren't comfortable touching their genital area

female condoms shouldn't be reused – open a new one each time you have sex

How female condoms work

Female condoms are a barrier method of contraception, worn inside the vagina. They prevent pregnancy by stopping sperm from meeting an egg.

A female condom can be put into the vagina any time before sex – but make sure the penis doesn't come into contact with the vagina before the condom has been put in. Semen can still come out of the penis even before a man has had an orgasm (fully ejaculated).

When used correctly, condoms are the only method of contraception that protects against both pregnancy and STIs.

How to use a female condom

Open the packet and remove the female condom, taking care not to tear it – don't open the packet with your teeth.

Squeeze the smaller ring at the closed end of the condom and put it into the vagina.

Make sure the large ring at the open end of the condom covers the area around the opening of the vagina.

Make sure the penis goes in the female condom, not between the condom and the side of the vagina.

After sex, remove the female condom immediately by gently pulling it out – you can twist the large ring to prevent semen from leaking.

Throw away the condom in a bin, not the toilet.

Using lubricant

Female condoms come pre-lubricated to make them easier to use, but you may also like to use additional lube – any kind can be used with female condoms.

Who can use female condoms?

Most people can safely use female condoms. You can also use them immediately after having a baby, miscarriage or abortion.

However, they may not be suitable for women who don't feel comfortable touching their genital area.

Female condoms aren't available at every contraception and sexual health clinic, so you may need to check first.

You can also buy female condoms from:

pharmacies

supermarkets

websites

Make sure any female condoms you buy carry the European CE mark or British BSI Kitemark. This means they have been tested to the required safety standards.

If you're under 16 years old

Contraception services are free and confidential, including for people under the age of 16.

If you want contraception and are under 16, the doctor, nurse or pharmacist won't tell your parents (or carer) as long as they believe you fully understand your decisions and the information you've been given.

Doctors and nurses work under strict guidelines when dealing with people under 16. They'll encourage you to consider telling your parents, but they won't make you.

The only time a professional might want to tell someone else is if they believe you're at risk of harm, such as abuse. In these circumstances, the risk would need to be serious, and they would usually discuss it with you first.